1003 Form
A document required for all mortgage applications that includes the customer’s income, assets, and a description of the home. Also known as the Uniform Residential Loan Application (URLA).
1004 Form
A document required for the appraisal. Also known as the Uniform Residential Appraisal Report (URAR).
1025 Form
An appraisal form needed if the subject property is a 2- to 4-unit dwelling and the borrower is using rental income to qualify.
1073 Form
An appraisal form that is used if the subject property is a condo (attached/detached/site).
1099 Form
An IRS form used to verify income paid to a self-employed contractor.
Acceptance
An agreement to enter into a contract and be bound by the terms of the offer.
Acquisition costs
Costs of acquiring property other than purchase price. Examples may include attorney fees, title insurance, and lender fees.
Addendum
An agreement or list added to a contract or other document.
Additional principal payment
Paying more than the scheduled payment amount. This type of payment is typically made to reduce the remaining balance on the loan.
Adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM)
A mortgage with an interest rate and payments that adjust at scheduled dates based on a pre-selected index.
Adjusted gross income
A person’s total income, as reported on his or her IRS 1040 tax return form, after allowable contributions, deductions, and expenses.
Adjustment period
The amount of time between interest rate changes on an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), after the initial fixed rate ends.
Agreement/Offer
An agreement between a buyer and seller of a property that states the price and terms of the sale. Also known as a purchase contract.
Agricultural property
Unimproved property available for farming activities.
Alimony
A spouse’s court-ordered payments after separation or divorce.
American Land Title Association (ALTA)
An organization that promotes the safe and efficient transfer of ownership of, and interest in, real property.
Amortization
The process of paying off a debt over time through regular payments with a percentage going to the principal and interest.
Amortization schedule
A mortgage payment timetable showing the amount of each payment and the remaining balance after each payment.
Annual percentage rate (APR)
The cost to borrow money expressed as a yearly percentage. For mortgage loans, it includes the interest rate plus other charges or fees. For home equity lines of credit, the APR is just the interest rate.
Applicant
A prospective borrower who has completed a loan application.
Application
A document submitted by a borrower to a mortgage lender that includes required information to begin the home loan process.
Application fee
A fee charged to a potential borrower to cover initial mortgage processing expenses.
Appraisal
A report that states a determination of a home’s market value by a qualified independent third-party known as an appraiser.
Appraised value
An opinion of value reached by an appraiser based upon comparable recent sales of homes in the neighborhood.
Appraiser
An independent third-party qualified to estimate the value of real estate.
Appreciation
An increase in the value of property due to a positive improvement to the property, real estate in the area or inflation.
Approval letter
Written mortgage loan approval. Also known as a commitment letter.
Arm’s-length transaction
Legal slang meaning that no special relationship exists between the buyer and seller and that neither are subject to any pressure or duress from the other party.
Assessed valuation
The value placed on property for taxation purposes.
Assessment
An amount of money charged to a homeowner to cover the cost of new projects and improvements in an area, including sidewalks, speed bumps, public utilities, or other special projects.
Assets
Things of value owned by a person (e.g., automobiles, property, savings or retirement fund) that are used to calculate a borrower’s net worth (assets minus liabilities) and determine their ability to afford the down payment and closing costs.
Assumable mortgage
A mortgage loan wherein the outstanding principal can be transferred to a buyer under the current mortgage terms. Typically, only (some) FHA and VA mortgages are assumable.
Attorney fee
A fee charged by a lawyer for title research, contract review, and other services.
AUS
Automated Underwriting System. A computer-driven process for informing the loan applicant very quickly, sometimes within a few minutes, whether the applicant will be approved, or whether the application will be forwarded to an underwriter. The quick decision is based on information provided by the applicant, which is subject to later verification, and other information retrieved electronically, including information about the borrower’s credit history and the subject property.
Balloon mortgage
A mortgage loan in which a large portion of the principal is repaid in a single payment at the end of the loan term.
Balloon payment
A large one-time payment due at the end of the term that pays off your remaining loan balance.
Bankruptcy
A legal proceeding in federal court in which a debtor seeks to restructure his or her obligations to creditors pursuant to the Bankruptcy code. This generally affects the borrower’s personal liability for a mortgage debt, but not the lien securing the mortgage.
Biweekly mortgage
A mortgage with payments due every two weeks, totaling 26 payments a year.
Blanket mortgage
A type of loan used to fund the purchase of two or more pieces of real property.
Borrower
A mortgage loan applicant.
Borrower-paid mortgage insurance (BPMI)
When your down payment is less than 20% of the home’s value, the lender typically requires you to pay a monthly premium for mortgage insurance in case you fail to make your mortgage payment. As soon as the loan-to-value ratio reaches 80% of the original value, you may be able cancel the insurance.
Break-even point
The point at which total revenue equals total expenses.
Broker
An independent non-bank mortgage loan originator who works with the borrower/homeowner and the bank or mortgage lender.
Buydown
A financing technique where the borrower attempts to get a lower interest rate on a purchase or refinance for the first few years of the loan.
Cash-out refinancing
A refinancing transaction in which the amount of money received from the new loan exceeds the total of the money needed to repay the existing first mortgage, closing costs, points, and the amount required to satisfy any outstanding subordinate mortgage liens, allowing the borrower to obtain cash from the equity in their home.
Cash reserves
Extra money some lenders require borrowers to have available after loan closing to help ensure they can make the payments and keep the home.
Cash to close
Money the borrower will use to pay the closing costs for getting a mortgage.
Certificate of occupancy
A document issued by a local municipality that indicates a building is suitable for occupancy.
Change of circumstance (COC)
A situation that requires the lender to provide a revised Loan Estimate or Closing Disclosure before closing that describes any changes in fees or other loan terms.
Closed-End mortgage
A fixed amount mortgage where the debt cannot be increased.
Closing
The last step in buying and financing a home. The closing, also known as settlement, is when all parties in a mortgage loan transaction sign the necessary documents. After signing these documents, the borrower becomes responsible for the mortgage loan.
Closing agent/settlement agent
Usually an attorney or title agency representative who oversees the loan closing and witnesses signing of the closing documents.
Closing costs
All monies paid by the borrower at the time of loan closing.
Closing date
The date the borrower signs the security instrument and all other related settlement documents.
Closing Disclosure
A document that provides final details about the mortgage loan, including fees, taxes and terms.
Closing points
A fee paid directly to the lender in exchange for a discount on the interest rate charged for a mortgage loan.
Combined loan-to-value (CLTV)
A ratio that is calculated when financing a home with a first mortgage and a home equity line of credit. For example, if your first mortgage is 70% of your home’s value and your home equity line of credit is 10% of your home’s value, your CLTV ratio is 80%.
Co-borrower(s)
Additional named borrower(s) who appear on loan documents and whose income and credit history are used to qualify for the loan. Under this arrangement, all parties have an obligation to repay the loan.
Collateral
Property used to help secure a home loan that the lender can take possession of if the loan isn’t repaid by the borrower.
Collection
The process used by mortgage servicing companies to pursue payments of past-due mortgage obligations.
Commitment (loan)
A promise made by the lender to the borrower to make a loan, along with stated terms and conditions.
Commitment letter
A mortgage lender’s formal letter to a borrower that states their intention to offer the borrower a home loan. Also known as an approval letter.
Comparable properties
Recently sold properties similar to another property whose value is being sought.
Compensating factors
Positive characteristics of a borrower’s credit that offset negative characteristics that help a borrower when underwriting a loan.
Concession/contribution
A discount or incentive a seller gives to a prospective buyer to encourage him or her to purchase a property — something that “sweetens the deal.”
Condo
A unit in a condominium project.
Condition
A loan stipulation that must be met before a mortgage loan can be closed/funded.
Conforming loan
A mortgage that meets the most current guidelines set by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. These mortgages are eligible for sale and delivery to these government-sponsored enterprises.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
The CFPB regulates the offering and provision of consumer financial products or services under the federal consumer financial laws and educates and empowers consumers to make better informed financial decisions.
Contingency
A condition that must be met before a contract is legally binding.
Conventional mortgage
A home loan that isn’t guaranteed or insured by the federal government.
Convertible ARM
An adjustable-rate mortgage that can be converted to a fixed-rate mortgage under specified conditions.
Cooperative
A form of real estate ownership, typically a building of two or more dwelling units, where the homeowner purchases a share in the corporation that owns the property.
Credit history
A record of a borrower’s payment behavior that shows his or her ability to repay a loan. Information may include number and types of credit accounts, how long each account has been open, amounts owed and more.
Credit limit
The maximum amount of money a customer is approved to borrow.
Credit report
A report provided by an independent agency detailing information on a person’s credit history.
Credit reporting
The process where lenders and creditors share your credit activity to one or more of the three credit reporting agencies.
Credit reporting agency
An agency that collects information about your credit accounts and uses it to produce your credit report and calculate your credit score.
Credit risk
The probable risk of loss resulting from a borrower’s failure to repay a loan.
Credit score
A three-digit number calculated by independent credit agencies that measures your creditworthiness based on information provided by your creditors and lenders.
Debt-to-income ratio (DTI)
A ratio derived by dividing the borrower’s total monthly obligations (including housing expenses) by his or her stable monthly income. This calculation is used to determine the mortgage amount for which a borrower qualifies. This term is used interchangeably with “total debt-to-income ratio” and “expense ratio.”
Deed
A legal document that conveys ownership of a property.
Deed of reconveyance
A document issued by a mortgage holder indicating that the borrower is released from the mortgage debt.
Deed of trust
A document that secures a debt, in which a debtor places legal ownership of real property with a trustee, to be held in trust until the debt is repaid. As the borrower repays the debt, the borrower keeps the actual title to the property and maintains full responsibility over the premises.
Default
The failure to satisfy the terms as agreed in a contract.
Delinquency
A loan payment that is past due.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
A government agency that provides housing and community development assistance.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
A government agency that provides federal benefits to veterans and their dependents, including home financing.
Deposit
A sum payable as a first installment on the purchase of a home (see earnest money).
Depreciation
A reduction in the value of property due to physical deterioration, wear and tear, or other factors.
Disclosure
Revealing information or facts about a specific product or financial transaction.
Down payment
The amount of cash you pay toward the purchase of your home, often between 3% and 20%. The rest of the payment to the seller comes from your mortgage.
Down payment assistance program
Programs offered by a government housing authority designed to help more families become homeowners by assisting with the cost of the down payment, closing costs, or in some cases both.
Draw period
The fixed period of time during which you can access money from a home equity line of credit.
Earnest money
A deposit made to someone selling their home that represents the prospective buyer’s intention to purchase the home (see deposit).
Encroachment
When a property owner violates the property rights of their neighbor.
Encumbrance
Anything that restricts a property owner’s ability to transfer title to the property or lessens its value, such as liens, restrictions, easements or encroachments.
End of draw
The point when you can no longer access funds from a home equity line of credit.
End of term
Refers to the date the outstanding balance on a balloon home equity loan or line of credit becomes due in full (see maturity date).
Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), 15 U.S.C. §1691 et seq.
This Act prohibits creditors from discriminating against credit applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, because an applicant receives more income from public assistance, or because an applicant has, in good faith, exercised any right under the Consumer Credit Protection Act.
Equity
The difference between the market value of a home and the amount owed to the lender who holds the mortgage. If you were to sell your home, equity is the money you would receive after paying off the mortgage.
Escrow
Funds a lender collects and holds in an account to pay real estate taxes, homeowners insurance, other periodic debts against the property, and mortgage insurance (if applicable), on behalf of a customer. Also known as impounds or reserves.
Escrow account
An account in which escrow money is held.
Escrow agent
A person or organization that ensures the terms of the loan transaction are carried out on behalf of all parties.
Escrow payment
The portion of a homeowner’s monthly mortgage payment that is held by a lender or servicer to pay property taxes and insurance, including mortgage insurance and hazard insurance, on your behalf.
Exposure
The dollar amount of funds or percentage of a portfolio invested in a particular type of security, market sector or industry, which is usually expressed as a percentage of total portfolio holdings.
Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), 15 U.S.C. § 1681
This Act was enacted to promote the accuracy, fairness, and privacy of consumer information contained in the files of consumer reporting agencies. The FCRA regulates the collection, dissemination, and use of consumer information, including consumer credit information.
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation — FHLMC (Freddie Mac)
A federal corporation created by Congress that purchases conventional mortgages in the secondary mortgage market from insured depository institutions and HUD-approved mortgage bankers. It sells participation sales certificates secured by pools of conventional mortgage loans, their principal, and interest guaranteed by the federal government through the FHLMC. It also sells Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA, or “Ginnie Mae”) bonds to raise funds to finance the purchase of mortgages. Popularly known as “Freddie Mac”.
FHA home loan
A mortgage that is insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Also known as a government loan. FHA mortgage insurance protects the lender (not the borrower) if a borrower defaults on the FHA loan. This insurance enables a lender to provide loan options and benefits often not available through conventional financing.
Federal National Mortgage Association — FNMA (Fannie Mae)
A taxpaying corporation created by Congress to support the secondary mortgage market. It purchases and sells residential mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) or guaranteed by the Veterans Administration (VA) as well as conventional home mortgages.
First adjusted payment
The payment due each month on an adjustable-rate mortgage after the initial fixed rate ends. Interest rate adjustments may increase or decrease the amount due.
First mortgage
The original mortgage taken on a property which has priority over all other liens or claims in the event of default.
Fixed interest rate
An interest rate that remains the same throughout the life of the loan.
Fixed-rate mortgage
A mortgage loan with an interest rate and monthly principal-and-interest payment amount that remains the same for the life of the loan.
Floating interest rate
An interest rate that fluctuates for a short period of time until a mortgage applicant locks it in.
Flood certification
A document that indicates whether or not the subject property is located within a designated flood zone.
Foreclosure
The legal process by which a borrower in default under a mortgage is deprived of his or her interest in the mortgaged property. This usually involves a forced sale of the property at public auction with the proceeds of the sale being applied to the mortgage debt.
Gift letter
A written explanation stating that money was given to a homebuyer, free and clear of any obligation to repay it, as a gift for the purchase of a house.
Government National Mortgage Association — GNMA (Ginnie Mae)
Created in 1968 by an amendment to Title III of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C 1716 et seq.). This federal government corporation is a constituent part of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Among other governmental functions, it guarantees securities backed by mortgages that are insured or guaranteed by other government agencies.
Gross income
Total income before any expenses are deducted.
Hazard insurance
Protects a property owner against damage to a property due to certain hazards such as fire, severe storms, or other natural events.
High-ratio loan
Mortgage loan with a loan-to-value higher than 80 percent. Calculated using the loan amount divided by the lower of the sales price or appraised value.
Home equity line of credit (HELOC)
A revolving credit line that can be used for large expenses or to consolidate higher-interest rate debt. The loan is secured by the borrower’s home.
Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA)
Federal legislation that requires certain types of lenders to compile and disclose data on where and to whom their mortgage and home improvement loans are being made.
Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC)
A set of federal guidelines designed to make the home appraisal process more reliable by prohibiting mortgage brokers and real estate agents from selecting or paying appraisers.
Homeowners association dues
Fees a homeowner is required to pay to a condominium or homeowners association for maintenance of common areas.
Homeowners insurance
Insurance to protect a home against damage from fire, hurricanes and other catastrophes. Usually, homeowners insurance also covers against theft and vandalism, as well as personal liability in case someone is hurt or injured on the property.
Homeowners insurance policy
A multiple-peril insurance policy available to owners of private dwellings that covers the dwelling and its contents, as well as personal liability.
Housing and Economic Recovery Act (HERA)
Federal legislation enacted in 2008 to address the subprime mortgage crisis. It was intended to restore confidence in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac by strengthening regulations and injecting capital into the two large U.S. suppliers of mortgage funding.
Housing expense ratio
The ratio comparing housing expenses to before-tax income that’s used by lenders to qualify customers for a mortgage.
Impounding
When the borrower puts money into an account that is specifically used to ensure payment of property taxes and insurance premiums. Also known as escrow.
Index/index rate
A published interest rate, such as the prime rate, that lenders use to establish interest rates charged on mortgages.
Interest
The amount a borrower owes a lender for the use of borrowed money.
Interest-only payments
This type of payment is applied only to the interest part of a loan and the principal balance is not reduced. Once the interest-only period ends, the payments will adjust to include principal and interest resulting in a higher monthly payment.
Interest rate
The cost a customer pays to a lender for borrowing funds over a period of time expressed as a percentage rate of the loan amount.
Interest rate cap
This applies to an ARM and limits how much the interest rate may increase per adjustment period (see Lifetime Cap).
Interest rate floor
The lowest interest rate that can be charged on an adjustable or variable interest rate loan or line of credit.
Interest rate range
The lowest to highest interest rates available for a particular loan or line of credit.
Interim interest
The interest accrued between the date a loan closes and the end of the month, which is paid at the time of closing.
Investment property
Real estate property owned with the intent to earn income, either through rent, future resale, or both, and not intended for owner occupancy.
Joint tenancy
A property owned by more than one person, each with equal rights and obligations.
Judgment
Final determination by a court of law regarding the rights and claims of the parties to a legal action.
Jumbo loan
Also known as a nonconforming loan. The amount of the loan exceeds standards that would make it eligible for sale to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Certain geographical areas have temporary conforming loan limits higher than typical conforming limits. Lenders may charge additional fees and place certain restrictions due to the large loan amounts.
Land acquisition loan
A mortgage loan made for the purpose of purchasing unimproved land.
Late charge
The penalty a borrower must pay when a payment is made after its due date or courtesy period.
Lender-paid mortgage insurance (LPMI)
When your down payment is less than 20% of the home’s value, the lender can pay the insurance costs upfront, in which its cost is included in the interest rate. This help provide protection against financial loss. Although the interest rate is slightly higher with LPMI, this option usually results in a lower monthly payment and a potential tax deduction. (Consult your tax advisor.)
Liabilities
A person’s debts, monies owed or other financial obligations.
Liability coverage
Provides coverage for expenses incurred due to property damage or bodily injury occurring on the property.
Lien
A legal right granted by the owner of the property, by a law or otherwise acquired by a creditor. A lien serves to guarantee an underlying obligation, such as the repayment of a loan. If the underlying obligation is not satisfied, the creditor may be able to seize the asset that is the subject of the lien.
Lifetime cap
The limit on how much an interest rate can increase above the initial interest rate over the life of an ARM or variable-rate home equity line of credit.
Limited partnership
A form of business ownership with at least two partners — one who is fully liable for business debts and one who is only liable up to their initial investment.
Line of credit
An agreement between a lender and a customer that specifies the size and terms of an amount of money that can be borrowed. In a home equity line of credit, the line of credit is secured by the borrower’s home.
Liquidity
The degree to which an asset can be quickly bought or sold.
Loan conditions
Terms and requirements in a loan agreement, including loan amount, interest rate, and other enforceable conditions.
Loan estimate (LE)
A document that contains important details, such as estimated rate, monthly payment and closing costs for a loan. The LE must be delivered by a lender within 3 business days from the date of the mortgage application.
Loan modification
An agreement to revise the terms of a mortgage to help a borrower bring their mortgage current or reduce their mortgage payment.
Loan purpose
The underlying reason for a requested loan, usually for a purchase or refinance.
Loan-to-value (LTV) ratio
A percentage that describes the size of the loan compared to the value of the property. For example, a loan amount of $150,000 for a home valued at $200,000 would have an LTV ratio of 75%.
Lock expiration date
The date on which the interest rate you’ve “locked in” expires, allowing the rate to then fluctuate.
Lock-in period
A set number of days during which the interest rate is secured and not subject to market fluctuation.
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
The rate at which some of the world’s leading banks charge each other for short-term loans. It’s one of the most valid barometers of the international cost of money.
Loss payable clause
A provision in an insurance contract for payment of a claim to someone, other than the insured person, who holds an insurable interest in the insured property.
Manufactured home
A type of prefabricated housing that is largely assembled in factories, built on a chassis and wheels, then transported to a site.
Margin
The set percentage the lender adds to an established index to determine the interest rate of an ARM or variable-rate home equity line of credit.
Market price
The amount a home can be bought or sold in current market conditions.
Market rate
The standard interest rate that lenders charge for conventional loans.
Market value
The amount a willing buyer would pay and a willing seller would accept, assuming each is fully informed and under no pressure to act, for property or other assets.
Maturity date
The date when a loan’s final payment or loan balance must be paid in full to the lender.
Maximum interest rate/maximum monthly payment
The highest interest rate and monthly principal-and-interest payment amount allowed.
Modular house
A type of housing built in sections in a factory and then transported to a permanent site where it is constructed on a foundation (excludes manufactured homes).
Monthly payment
The amount of principal and interest paid each month on a home loan, sometimes including real estate taxes, homeowners insurance, and, if applicable, mortgage insurance.
Mortgage
The transfer of an interest in real property, given as security for the payment of a loan.
Mortgage banker
A company, individual or institution that originates mortgages. Mortgage bankers use their own funds, or funds borrowed from a warehouse lender, to fund mortgages.
Mortgage commitment
An agreement between lender and borrower detailing the terms of a mortgage loan such as interest rate, loan type, term, and amount.
Mortgage Forbearance Agreement
An agreement between the lender and a delinquent borrower in which the lender agrees not to exercise its legal right to foreclose on a mortgage and the borrower agrees to a mortgage plan that will, over a certain time period, bring the borrower current on his or her payments.
Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP)
A policy that protects the lender if the borrower doesn’t make the mortgage payments. If a home loan has mortgage insurance, it may be collected as part of the monthly payment.
Mortgage note
A written agreement to repay a sum of money at a stated interest rate for a specific term when the note is secured by a property.
Mortgagee
The lender in a mortgage that is secured by real property.
Mortgagor
The borrower of a mortgage loan that grants the lender an interest in the property.
Mortgage loan originator
Someone who works with a borrower to complete a mortgage loan application or to negotiate its terms.
Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry (NMLS)
A mortgage licensing system operated by state financial regulators. Its purpose is to streamline the licensing process, improve supervision, and increase transparency in residential lending.
Negative amortization
A loan payment schedule in which the outstanding principal balance goes up, rather than down, because the payments do not cover the full amount of interest due. The unpaid interest is added to the principal balance.
Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP)
A program established by Congress designed to provide funds to assist homebuyers in purchasing foreclosed and abandoned homes in targeted areas for the purpose of stabilizing communities and property values.
New principal balance
The recalculated loan amount after a loan modification. The new principal balance may include previously unpaid interest charges or fees.
NMLS unique identifier (NMLS ID)
A number permanently assigned by the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry that identifies a registered residential loan originator.
Non-conforming loan
A loan that doesn’t meet the guidelines established by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac due to the loan amount, insufficient credit, underwriting guidelines, or other factors.
Note
A written acknowledgement and agreement to repay a sum of money plus interest for a specific term. When the note is secured by a property, it’s called a mortgage note.
Open-End mortgage
A mortgage with a provision that the outstanding loan amount may be increased upon mutual agreement of the lender and the borrower.
Owner occupancy
The borrower(s) intend to live in the home.
Origination
The entire process of working with a borrower to complete a mortgage from application, through underwriting, to final loan closing.
Origination charge
Compensation (other than discount points) that the lender receives for processing a loan application and putting the loan in place.
Package mortgage
A loan secured by real estate wherein the personal property and furniture are included in the purchase price of the house.
Payoff
The amount necessary to pay a loan in full.
Payoff figures
The calculation of numbers required to pay a loan in full.
Personal property
Usually considered property that can be moved from one location to another, as opposed to real property.
Planned Unit Development (PUD)
The process of developing buildings in a well-planned manner, usually including housing, schools, recreation, commercial and industrial areas. May also be a subdivision with individually owned lots and homes in operation with a homeowners association.
Plans and specifications
All the drawings and specifications for construction of a building or project, including architectural, engineering, mechanical and electrical drawings along with a description of materials to be used.
Power of attorney
A legal document outlining the authority to act for another person in legal or financial matters.
Preapproval
A preliminary review of credit information and other documents to determine whether a potential borrower qualifies to purchase a home.
Preliminary title report
Shows the conditions under which a title insurance company will issue a title binder or title commitment.
Prepaids
That portion of your loan closing costs which must be paid in advance to cover taxes, interest, insurance and any special assessments.
Prepayment fee or penalty
A fee that some lenders may charge if the borrower pays off the loan earlier than originally agreed in the lending contract.
Prequalification
An estimate of how much money a lender is willing to lend a prospective homebuyer based on a borrower’s current income and debt.
Primary residence
The home the borrower(s) live in day-to-day. (Not a vacation home).
Principal balance
The amount owed on a loan, not including interest, fees or taxes.
Principal payment
The portion of the monthly payment that reduces the outstanding balance of a loan.
Private mortgage insurance (PMI)
Insurance written by a private company that protects a mortgage lender against loss if the borrower defaults on the loan.
Processing
The act of ensuring that the loan application and supporting documentation is in order and ready to be reviewed by a lender.
Property usage
Describes a property owner’s use of a property, e.g., first home, second home, vacation home, or a rental property.
Purchase contract
A legal document outlining the price and terms of the sale of real property. Also known as a sales contract.
Qualifying ratios
Guidelines used by lenders to determine how much money a homebuyer is qualified to borrow. The two main qualifying ratios are debt-to-income and the housing expense ratio.
Quitclaim deed
A legal instrument to release a person’s interest, title or claim in a property.
Rate cap
A limit placed on the amount of interest that lenders can charge on a loan or line of credit.
Rate lock
An agreement between the borrower and lender that “locks in” the interest rate on a mortgage over a specified time period.
Real assets
Actual tangible assets such as real estate or real property.
Real estate/property taxes
Taxes assessed on real property and usually based on the property’s value.
Real Estate Owned (REO)
Describes foreclosed-upon property that is owned by a bank due to a customer not making mortgage payments over a period of time.
Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA)
A federal law requiring lenders to provide home mortgage borrowers with information on known or estimated settlement costs. It also establishes guidelines for escrow account balances.
Real property
Any fixed type of property, typically land and buildings that are immovable.
Refinancing
The process of starting a new loan to pay off an existing one. The new loan typically has different (better) terms and benefits, usually lower monthly payments, lower interest rates or financial savings.
Reissue or refinance rate (for title insurance)
A reissue or refinance rate is a reduced rate for title insurance that a homeowner may be eligible for on a refinance. The reduced rate may be applicable if the property was previously insured within a certain number of years.
Repayment period
The time during which principal-and-interest payments will completely repay the outstanding balance of a loan during a certain period of time.
Rescission period
The three-day period following closing where the borrower has the right to cancel the transaction. This right was set forth by the Truth in Lending Act (TILA).
Retail
A retail lender is one who lends money to individuals. Examples of retail lenders include banks, credit unions, savings and loan institutions, and mortgage bankers.
Revolving line of credit
Funds that are always available to a customer for a specified amount of time. As borrowed funds are repaid, they can be withdrawn again.
Satisfaction of mortgage
This lender-issued legal document verifies that a mortgage has been paid.
Second home (vacation home or weekend home)
An additional residence that an owner visits or lives in for specified times each year.
Second mortgage
An additional mortgage taken out on a property while the current mortgage is still in effect.
Secondary mortgage market
The market where lenders and investors buy and sell existing mortgages.
Section 203(k) loan program
HUD’s primary program for the rehabilitation and repair of single-family properties. A 203(k) loan is a first mortgage that covers the costs of rehabilitation and purchase or refinance of an eligible property. The goals of the Section 203(k) loan program are community and neighborhood revitalization and expanded opportunities for homeownership for low- and moderate-income families.
Securitization
The process of taking a liquid asset, or group of assets, and through financial engineering, transforming them into a security.
Security
The collateral used to secure the repayment of a loan.
Security instrument
A Mortgage Deed or Deed of Trust that shows a pledge of an asset as collateral.
Security interest
A claim on collateral to obtain a loan.
Seller contributions
When the seller of a home pays some or all of the buyer’s closing costs. Depending on the loan terms, the amount of costs that can be covered by the seller may be limited.
Settlement costs
Costs associated with the closing of a mortgage loan, such as origination fees, discount points, or payments for title insurance, surveys, attorney services, and taxes.
Short sale
When net proceeds from selling the property will fall short of the debts secured by liens against the property.
Site value
The worth of vacant land without improvements.
Subdivision
An area of land, improved or unimproved, divided into plots for sale.
Subordinate
A loan in a second lien position. Also described as a Second Mortgage (see First Mortgage).
Survey
The measurement of boundary lines to determine the exact amount of land that a homeowner owns.
Tax lien
A legal claim against property for unpaid taxes.
Term
The length of time when a loan or home equity line of credit must be paid in full.
Tick/BPS
A unit of measure for interest rates. A tick equals 1/32 in terms of the price. A basis point equals 0.01%.
Title
A document that shows legal ownership of a property.
Title (insurance) company
A company that performs title searches to protect a homeowner and lender against a loss that could result from a title dispute.
Title insurance
Protects an owner’s or a lender’s financial interest in real property against loss due to title defects, liens or other matters.
Title insurance policy
A legal agreement made by the insurer, usually a title insurance company, to pay the insured party for losses relating to claims against title.
Title search
Reviewing documents evidencing the history of a piece of real property to determine relevant interests in and regulations concerning that property.
Transfer tax
A transaction fee when the title of a property changes hands.
Trust deed
See Deed of Trust.
Truth-in-Lending Act (TILA)
A Federal law requiring full disclosure of credit terms in a standardized manner for easier comparisons between lending terms and financial institutions.
Underwriter
Someone who reviews the application, documentation, and property information before making a loan decision.
Underwriting
The process of deciding whether a loan should be approved or denied. It requires the verification of a borrower’s information and assessment of their creditworthiness.
Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA)
Guarantees that electronic record keeping and electronic transactions are as enforceable as documents previously requiring ink signature.
Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP)
This is required for all FHA loans and it is typically financed into the mortgage loan amount or paid by the borrower at closing.
Veterans Administration (VA) mortgage
A mortgage available to qualifying veterans and guaranteed by the VA. This type of loan offers a lower down payment than most standard mortgages and requires no mortgage insurance. VA loans are backed by the Veterans Administration.
Variable rate
An interest rate that changes periodically in relation to an index.
W2
IRS form. A W-2 reports annual wage earner income.
Warehouse lending
A line of credit given to a loan originator to pay for a mortgage the borrower used to purchase property. The life of the loan generally extends from its origination to the time it is sold into the secondary market, either directly or through securitization.
Warranty Deed
A deed that guarantees clear title to the buyer of real property.
Yield to maturity
The lender’s percentage of annual return on actual funds loaned, assuming that the loan will be paid in full at maturity.
Yield spread premium (YSP)
The money or rebate paid to a mortgage broker for giving a borrower a higher interest rate on a loan in exchange for lower upfront costs, generally paid in origination fees, broker fees or discount points.
Zoning ordinances
Local laws that establish building codes and usage regulations for properties in a specified area. This creation of districts specifies different types of property uses, such as commercial or residential.